Bridcutt is next on agenda for Leeds United

Leeds United are aiming to add to their ranks before Sunday’s big kick-off with the signing of midfielder Liam Bridcutt who they had on loan last season.

The Scottish international appears to be unwanted at Sunderland having been left out of a pre-season tour to France by new manager David Moyes, but a deal to join Leeds has been held up by haggling over the termination of his contact, which still has a year to run.

United cannot match Sunderland’s wages, but are keen to sign the midfielder following Lewis Cook’s departure for Bournemouth.

Bridcutt played 24 games for the Whites while on loan last season and has been in talks with the club this week with a view to thrashing out a deal.

Leeds have signed young midfielder Billy Whitehouse from Doncaster Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old, who made 11 senior appearances and enjoyed a brief loan stint at Halifax Town during his two seasons as a professional with Doncaster, is seen as possibly one for the future and has signed a one-year deal.

The Mexborough youngster to the club website: “I’m delighted to be here.

“I’ve played in the first-team at Doncaster but I had a frustrating season last season.

“It started off well and then I went out on loan – where I did all right – but I came back and I wasn’t in the manager’s plans.

“I had a year left on my contract at Doncaster and I’m thankful to them that they’ve let me come here to get games under my belt and develop.

“It’s unbelievable here at Leeds – when you drive up to the training ground it takes your breath away how good it is. The training ground is different class and all the lads have welcomed me.

“I just want to keep progressing now and see where this season takes me.

“I’ll start off in the under 21s and I just want to try and keep on doing the best I can to catch the manager’s eye.”

United, meanwhile, are on the look out for a left-back, although they have turned down a transfer request from Charlie Taylor.

In a statement the club said: “Further to recent speculation regarding Charlie Taylor, the club can confirm that a transfer request from Charlie was received over the weekend.

“Garry Monk and club president Massimo Cellino agreed at the start of the transfer window that Charlie would not be sold and, therefore, the transfer request has been formally rejected.

“The club has every confidence that Charlie will continue to conduct himself properly and play his part this season as the club pushes towards the top of the Championship.”